On My Mind...
As I’m writing this, I’m looking down at my annoying blue bracelet and praying for our team as they leave for Nicaragua in the morning. Weeks of anticipation have given way to the panic of last minute preparation. As team members scramble to make sure they have everything, checking things off their list – a few may just now be thinking about packing – I used to be one of those. Pray for traveling grace, safety while in country both physical and spiritual. Emotions can run high on these trips, especially given their work with the Home of Protection, and the 200 to 300 who will come through the clinic. Pray for the courage to have open, welcoming hearts though they know their hearts may be overwhelmed by needs. Pray that the Lord uses them to love on those who come through and those at the Home who have already in their young lives experience more hurt and pain than most of us will in our lifetimes. Pray for the 2-day camp and those students who will attend. Pray for open hearts receptive to the gospel. Pray for those who will be sharing testimonies, leading Bible studies leading in the various services. Pray for Nathan and Maryem as they lead this whole effort. Pray for one another as we hold the rope through prayer. You are part of the team. Thank you for your prayers, thank you for your giving, thank you for your support and encouragement. I look forward to hearing their report when they are back.
Also, pray for Karen and all our VBS workers. VBS is just around the corner and will be here before you know it. Pray for teachers as they prepare their lessons, kitchen workers as the plan meals, youth volunteers, the recreation crew as they plan activities, those who will be working with crafts. Of course, pray for the kids who will attend. Pray that they have a good time, but more importantly, pray that the gospel finds good soil, deep in their heart where the truth of God’s grace and the message of salvation will spring forth into life eternal and abundant.
As I mentioned last time, this week, the Southern Baptist Convention is meeting in Orlando. Pray that “we” don’t do something stupid! I know our convention will be dealing with real issues. Issues that matter, issues that have lasting impact. My concern is about how we go about our business. The tone or atmosphere of the meeting. Baptist often disagree but we don’t have to be disagreeable in how we address issues. Godly people, equally committed to the truth of Scripture can see things differently. It is good and right that we debate issues, and that we do so with passion. Truth really does matter. But let’s acknowledge that this is a family argument. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, so let’s not so easily pronounce anathema on one another. May all sides be heard and my cooler heads prevail.
On a personal note, we are heading out for a little vacation. Brother Steve Sazate will be filling in for me on Sunday, hear him prayerfully.
Have a blessed week and I’ll see you when we get back.
Rod
Also, pray for Karen and all our VBS workers. VBS is just around the corner and will be here before you know it. Pray for teachers as they prepare their lessons, kitchen workers as the plan meals, youth volunteers, the recreation crew as they plan activities, those who will be working with crafts. Of course, pray for the kids who will attend. Pray that they have a good time, but more importantly, pray that the gospel finds good soil, deep in their heart where the truth of God’s grace and the message of salvation will spring forth into life eternal and abundant.
As I mentioned last time, this week, the Southern Baptist Convention is meeting in Orlando. Pray that “we” don’t do something stupid! I know our convention will be dealing with real issues. Issues that matter, issues that have lasting impact. My concern is about how we go about our business. The tone or atmosphere of the meeting. Baptist often disagree but we don’t have to be disagreeable in how we address issues. Godly people, equally committed to the truth of Scripture can see things differently. It is good and right that we debate issues, and that we do so with passion. Truth really does matter. But let’s acknowledge that this is a family argument. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, so let’s not so easily pronounce anathema on one another. May all sides be heard and my cooler heads prevail.
On a personal note, we are heading out for a little vacation. Brother Steve Sazate will be filling in for me on Sunday, hear him prayerfully.
Have a blessed week and I’ll see you when we get back.
Rod